Psilocybin

Scientists have discovered that psilocybin may have powerful anti-aging properties. New research provides the first experimental evidence that the compound from psychedelic mushrooms extends survival in aged mice and significantly delays the natural aging process in human cells.

Researchers have discovered that psilocybin—but not ketamine—triggers widespread changes in neuropeptide-related genes in the rat hypothalamus. These findings may help explain how psychedelics influence mood, appetite, and stress responses through deep brain systems.

People under the influence of psilocybin perform more slowly on tasks measuring attention and executive function. But a new study suggests the problem might not be the drug—it might be the traditional lab tests used to assess cognition.

A pilot study involving psilocybin-assisted therapy found possible antidepressant effects for people with bipolar II disorder. The treatment appeared well-tolerated, with no signs of mania or psychosis, offering cautious optimism for future bipolar depression research.

Early results from a pilot study indicate that psilocybin-assisted therapy could be linked to lower alcohol consumption and improved psychological outcomes, though larger controlled trials are needed to determine whether the psilocybin itself is responsible for these changes.

A new study using high-resolution EEG reveals that psilocybin dramatically alters brain connectivity in rats. The psychedelic induced dose-dependent changes in network organization, disrupting normal patterns of neural communication and suggesting rodents may be viable models for studying altered consciousness.

A new study finds that individuals with treatment-resistant depression experienced similar improvements from psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy whether or not they had recently discontinued antidepressant medications.

A detailed case report describes how a 21-year-old man died from self-inflicted ocular trauma during a bad psilocybin trip. The tragic event illustrates how rare but extreme reactions to psychedelics can lead to fatal outcomes.

A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.

A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.

A new open-label study suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, may reduce symptoms in people with severe treatment-resistant depression. Improvements were sustained for up to 12 weeks, although effects were weaker in those with PTSD.

Psilocybin use has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with the biggest increases seen among adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

In a groundbreaking case report, scientists administered psilocybin to a woman in a minimally conscious state and observed increased brain complexity and new spontaneous behavior—offering a glimpse into how psychedelics might influence consciousness in severe brain injury patients.

Psilocybin therapy produced surprising benefits in a small study of people with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond improving mood, the psychedelic treatment was linked to better motor function and cognitive performance.

A new study explores combining psilocybin microdosing with neurofeedback. The method appears feasible, though it’s unclear whether it meaningfully improves mental performance.